How We Can All Benefit from the Message of Near-Death Experiences (without having to nearly die!) Spirituality and Wellbeing Lampeter 2016 Penny Sartori PhD RGN
What happens when we die?
Experiences Close to Death Deathbed visions / end of life experiences Empathic / shared death experiences Control over the time of death Terminal Lucidity After death communications (ADCs) Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
Near-Death Experiences Most widely researched spiritually transformative experiences Occur unexpectedly Accelerated phase of the dying process Access a deep altered state of consciousness Transcendental Often gain information not detectable by the senses
Components of the NDE Hearing the news of being near death Life review Out of body experience Tunnel and light experience Feelings of peace and calm Beautiful gardens
Components of the NDE Meeting deceased relatives or friends Meeting a Being of light Telepathic communication Barrier or point of no return Coming back Transformation
Distressing NDEs Approx 14% NDEs are frightening Categorised by Bush & Greyson (1992) as: 1) Prototypical NDE interpreted as frightening 2) The void experience 3) Hellish 4 th category (Rommer 2000)
After Effects of a NDE No fear of death More tolerant of others / altruistic More loving / compassionate No longer materialistic Status no longer of importance Become more spiritual Feelings of interconnectivity (life review)
After Effects of a NDE Electrical sensitivity Become more psychic Healing ability Huge psychological boost High divorce rate Acquisition of impossible knowledge
Rajaa Benamour Following anaesthetic Infinitesimal memory Many after effects, light sensitivity, changes in her electro-magnetic field Acquired new intellectual abilities In-depth understanding of quantum physics that she did not previously have
Can NDEs be Verified? Many cases are reported anecdotally Is there a way to check on their reports?
A Five Year Prospective Study of Near-Death Experiences in a Welsh Intensive Therapy Unit Sartori 2008
Are NDEs merely effects of a dying brain? Aim of the study: What is the frequency of NDEs / OBEs? Are NDEs the same as hallucinations? Is the NDE due to: drugs administered? anoxia? hypercarbia?
Can the OBE be Verified? Symbols / pictures on monitors Could only be viewed from out of body perspective Above head height Brightly coloured Concealed behind ridges
Frequency of NDEs 15 NDEs during the five year data collection 2 of these were distressing Patient 10 remarkable and unique case 2 end of life experiences
Case Report of Patient 10 60-year-old male, emergency surgery During unconsciousness reported: OBE accurately reported the actions of the doctor, nurse and physiotherapist Meeting deceased relatives and Jesus-like figure Healing of a congenital abnormality
Basic Findings of the Research Not due to the drugs Not due to abnormal blood levels NDEs are under-reported NDEs are not wishful thinking NDEs are different to hallucinations
Sartori 2008 conclusions: Current science cannot explain NDEs Research is showing that NDEs can no longer be explained away To ignore NDEs is detrimental to future patient care Science must be revised and expanded Future prospective research on a large scale is paramount to further the understanding of NDEs, consciousness, death and LIFE
Benefits of Undertaking the Research Provide greater psychological support to NDErs Useful in care of terminally ill They can guide us with spiritual counselling at the end of life Helpful in bereavement and grief Inspire individuals to re-evaluate and have a different perspective on life
What is the Message of the NDE? What can NDEs teach us about life?? How can we benefit from the message of the NDE? Can learning about death, teach us how to live?
Aspects to Develop with Further Research Acquisition of impossible knowledge? Spontaneous healing of ailments Healing of grief How NDEs can provide us with a psychological boost Renewal of values and attitude to life Cultivating altruism Cultivating emotional resilience
Tibor Putnoki Cardiac arrest, 9 minutes without heartbeat Life was transformed by his NDE Set up The Light of Love Foundation in Hungary which is based on the wellbeing of others Teaches life skills and empowering techniques
Tibor Putnoki During his NDE, he was asked: Did you have a life before your death? Did you live a life worthy of a human being? Could you look into other people s eyes with a pure heart and your head held high?
Jeff Olsen Despite the tragic consequences of a car accident he now lives a deeply fulfilling life Newfound understanding gained during the NDE helped him to cope with the loss of his wife, son and deal with the life altering physical injuries
Why do the majority of people take such little notice of these life transforming experiences?
Current World View Consciousness is created by the brain We are all separate It s all about survival of the fittest
The Message of the NDE We are all interconnected - the life review, empathic death experiences Consistent with Einstein s spooky action at a distance now known as quantum entanglement THE GOLDEN RULE - Treat others as you d wish to be treated yourself Love and compassion extended to others Live in the moment
Implications Professor Kenneth Ring s work Increased altruism in NDErs Increased positive emotions, IgA, oxytocin Greater planetary awareness eco friendly behaviour, global sustainability Advancement in our evolution Darwin believed we evolved due to ability to cooperate and empathise
Christine Stewart 11 years old Knocked over by a car Had an NDE that has given her strength throughout her life
Quote from Christine Stewart My belief is that if everyone had a NDE there would never be another war, no-one would starve or be the victim of violence and greed would become a thing of the past.
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